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Autonomous Driving Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AeroVect

Staff Autonomy Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Company Description At AeroVect, we provide autonomous driving solutions to some of the busiest airports and logistics hubs in the world. Backed by top-tier investors, AeroVect is shaping the future ...

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All JobsAutonomous Driving JobsAutonomous Driving Jobs in California

Autonomous Driving information

See California salary details

$6

$21

$38

How much do autonomous driving jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous driving in California is $21.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is autonomous driving?

Autonomous driving refers to the use of technology to enable vehicles to navigate and operate without direct human input. These vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to perceive their environment and make driving decisions. The goal is to improve road safety, reduce human error, and increase transportation efficiency. Autonomous driving systems are typically categorized by levels, ranging from driver assistance to fully self-driving vehicles. This field is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research and real-world testing by automotive and technology companies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in autonomous driving roles?

Professionals in autonomous driving often encounter challenges such as integrating complex sensor data, ensuring the reliability of AI algorithms in unpredictable environments, and meeting strict safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration is key, as teams typically work cross-functionally with hardware, software, and quality assurance groups to solve technical issues and validate system performance. Adapting to rapidly evolving technology and maintaining clear communication across disciplines are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an autonomous driving engineer role, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Driving Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, robotics, and engineering, often demonstrated by a relevant degree and experience in machine learning or computer vision. Proficiency with programming languages such as Python and C++, as well as familiarity with simulation tools, ROS (Robot Operating System), and sensor integration (e.g., LiDAR, radar), is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and adaptability help you effectively tackle complex technical challenges and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of safe, reliable, and innovative autonomous vehicle systems that meet rigorous industry standards.

What is the difference between Autonomous Driving vs Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineer?

AspectAutonomous DrivingAutonomous Vehicle Software Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degrees, specialized training in AI, robotics, or automotive systemsComputer science, software engineering degrees, programming skills in C++, Python
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, automotive companies, testing facilitiesSoftware development teams, automotive tech companies, simulation environments
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing autonomous vehicle systemsDesigning and coding software for autonomous vehicle functions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Autonomous Driving focuses on the overall development, testing, and deployment of self-driving vehicle systems, often involving hardware integration and real-world testing. Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineers primarily concentrate on coding, software design, and algorithm development for autonomous vehicle functionalities. Both roles require technical expertise, but Autonomous Driving is broader, encompassing system integration, while Autonomous Vehicle Software Engineers specialize in software development within the autonomous vehicle industry.

What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Driving jobs in California?

For Autonomous Driving jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autonomous Driving jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Autonomous Driving jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Driving jobs?

Cities in California with the most Autonomous Driving job openings:

Autonomous Driving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Driving job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,877 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Staff Machine Learning Engineer - (ADAS/Autonomous Driving)

Newark, CA

Lucid Motors
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Lucid Motorsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Role 

We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer to lead the integration and deployment of advanced perception models into Lucid's production ADAS and autonomous driving systems. This role focuses on productizing ML models, ensuring robust performance on automotive-grade hardware, and building scalable pipelines for deployment and validation. You will collaborate with ML researchers, perception engineers, and hardware teams to deliver high-performance, safety-compliant solutions. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Model Integration & Productization  
  • Deploy and integrate perception models (camera, LiDAR) into Lucid's centralized software stack. 
  • Transition experimental components into production-ready modules with robust scheduling and diagnostics. 
  • Performance Optimization  
  • Optimize inference pipelines using CUDA, TensorRT, and mixed-precision techniques for real-time performance. 
  • Implement multithreaded scheduling and containerized deployments for automotive platforms. 
  • Pipeline Development & Automation  
  • Build CI/CD pipelines for nightly deployments, HIL verification, and KPI reporting. 
  • Automate data recording, evaluation frameworks, and regression testing. 
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration  
  • Work closely with ML researchers, software engineers, and OEM partners to ensure seamless integration. 
  • Support SDK development and customer-facing deliverables. 
  • System Diagnostics & Monitoring  
  • Implement runtime performance metrics, logging, and error reporting for perception stack reliability. 

Required Qualifications 

  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field. 
  • 7+ years of experience in software engineering for perception or autonomous systems. 
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, with experience in ROS1/2, OpenCV, and GPU acceleration. 
  • Hands-on experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch) and inference optimization (TensorRT, CUDA). 
  • Expertise in containerization (Docker), CI/CD, and automated deployment pipelines. 
  • Proven ability to lead technical projects and collaborate across teams. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience with automotive perception systems and ADAS software stacks. 
  • Familiarity with automotive safety standards (ISO 26262, ASPICE). 
  • Knowledge of multithreaded scheduling and real-time performance tuning. 
  • Background in SDK development and automotive customer integration. 

What Lucid Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007

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